Print with MS Uniprint from Linux like MacOS?

Currently we dont offer print clients on Linux and there are no immediate plans. Please file a request on https://aka.ms/UPIdeas.

Users on Linux may print if they open Excel app in a browser or open OneDrive for Business in the browser.

Developing a client for Universal Print is simple and can be done using Microsoft Graph APIs. You can find a sample here - https://aka.ms/UPSample.

Certainly! Integrating printing from Linux systems, such as Ubuntu, into a mixed environment with Windows and MacOS can be challenging but feasible with the right setup. While Microsoft Universal Print isn't directly available for Linux like it is for MacOS, there are alternative solutions and approaches you can consider.

Options for Printing from Ubuntu in a Mixed Environment:

1. CUPS (Common Unix Printing System): CUPS is the standard printing system for Unix-like operating systems, including Linux. It supports a wide range of printers and can integrate with Windows and MacOS environments through various protocols.
2. IPP (Internet Printing Protocol): IPP allows printing over a network using HTTP. Many modern printers support IPP, and Linux systems can connect to printers that offer IPP services, which are also used by Microsoft Universal Print.
3. Samba: Samba is commonly used to integrate Linux systems into Windows networks. It includes tools (smbclient, smbprint) that can be used to print to Windows-shared printers.
4. CUPS with SMB Backend: CUPS can use SMB (Server Message Block) to print to Windows-shared printers. This method involves setting up CUPS to communicate with Windows print servers.

Steps to Enable Printing from Ubuntu to Windows Printers:

• Install CUPS:

sudo apt-get install cups

• Configure CUPS: Once installed, configure CUPS through its web interface (http://localhost:631) or command line tools (lpadmin) to add printers. You may need to install additional packages for specific printer drivers.
• Connect to Windows Shared Printers: Use tools like smbclient or CUPS's SMB backend to connect to Windows-shared printers. Ensure you have the necessary permissions and credentials to access these printers.
• IPP Support: Check if your printers support IPP and configure them accordingly in CUPS. IPP is a widely supported protocol that facilitates cross-platform printing.
• Testing and Troubleshooting: After setup, test printing from Ubuntu to ensure everything is working as expected. Monitor logs (/var/log/cups/) for any errors and troubleshoot accordingly.

Considerations:

• Driver Availability: Ensure that drivers for your printers are available for Linux. Sometimes, generic drivers or manufacturer-provided drivers may be needed.
• Security and Permissions: Manage printer access permissions carefully, especially in mixed environments where security policies may differ.
• Updates and Compatibility: Regularly update CUPS and printer drivers to maintain compatibility with evolving standards and security patches.

By leveraging these methods, you can integrate Ubuntu into a mixed environment effectively, allowing seamless printing alongside Windows and MacOS systems. While not a direct match to Microsoft Universal Print, these solutions provide robust alternatives tailored to Linux environments.

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